Full spectrum CBD is distinct from broad spectrum CBD in that it contains trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Research shows that these two types of CBD may confer benefits for specific conditions, including anxiety. Read on to learn more about full spectrum vs. broad spectrum CBD for anxiety.
Anxiety is one of the most widespread mental health challenges of the 21st century, and people are continually looking for newer and better ways to treat it. A popular product that helps to relieve anxiety, promote calmness, and facilitate sleep is cannabidiol – CBD for short. CBD is available in many different forms, with two major types being full spectrum and broad spectrum. This article will look at both of those formulations and give you the benefits and drawbacks of each so you can choose the better product for your specific needs.
Full Spectrum vs Broad Spectrum CBD for Anxiety is an original (BetterNutriotionNews) article.
Full spectrum vs broad spectrum CBD for anxiety – what’s the difference?
The main difference between full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD oils is the number of compounds they contain in addition to CBD. According to the National Institutes of Health, cannabis is a complex plant with over 400 chemical entities, of which more than 60 are cannabinoid compounds. The best-known compound is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the “high” that marijuana smokers usually experience. While both versions may contain as much as 0.3% THC, the broad spectrum product usually has a smaller amount.
Another difference between broad spectrum and full spectrum CBD is the efficiency of the isolation process that separates out the other compounds. Regardless of the formulation, a consumer should be able to find the percentage of all compounds clearly printed on each CBD product. Failure to disclose this information can indicate that a company may not be meeting its obligations.
Full spectrum vs broad spectrum CBD for anxiety – how they work
Although the calming effects of cannabis products have been known for centuries, researchers are still working to determine the exact chemistry behind the effects of CBD on anxiety. The latest studies indicate that CBD interacts with receptors in specific cells in the nervous system. These are the CB1 receptors in the central nervous system and the CB2 receptors in the peripheral nervous system.
Studies indicate that CBD’s interaction with these receptors may help regulate the levels of a neurotransmitter called serotonin, which plays an important role in mental health; low levels of serotonin are typically associated with anxiety and depression. Overall, these effects seem to be the same in both full spectrum CBD and broad spectrum CBD.
Many people diagnosed with low levels of serotonin take prescription medications, but others have reported success using CBD products, which do not require a prescription. That said, it is advisable to consult a physician or other qualified medical expert before deciding on CBD use.
Full spectrum vs broad spectrum CBD for anxiety – benefits
While both full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD products are treated to remove the potentially harmful THC compound, they do contain different amounts of other cannabis compounds, including myrcene and terpenes. Higher concentrations of both are found in full spectrum CBD, which is advantageous because these compounds are believed to be beneficial. Researchers are looking into the theory that myrcene and terpenes contribute to what is called the entourage effect. Essentially, it means that CBD works more effectively to relieve anxiety when these compounds are present.
Myrcene is a popular flavoring and aroma agent used in the manufacture of food and beverages. It has shown promising health benefits in many animal studies, and it may prove useful in making non-alcoholic beers, functional foods and drinks, and cannabis extracts.
Terpenes are found in essential oils and are responsible for the aroma of cannabis. They make a big difference in consumer experience and market price. Alongside aromatherapy, terpenes also prove to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antidiabetic effects, among others.
Full spectrum vs broad spectrum CBD for anxiety – finding the best source
Transparency is the first thing to look for in any company selling health-related products. The more a company reveals about itself and its methods of conducting business, the more a consumer can verify those claims and determine the company’s reputation.
Ever since it began selling hemp products in 2018, Wisconsin-based Partnered Process has had two explicit goals: to produce high-quality botanicals with clean organic materials; and to partner with farmers and provide a local service to process hemp using clean and environmentally-friendly methods.
Partnered Process features full spectrum CBD oil and other products derived from local organic Wisconsin hemp. They are all processed in the company’s custom-built facility located just outside Milwaukee and are tested by a third party to ensure quality. Moreover, each product comes with a QR code detailing individual lab results.
Full spectrum vs broad spectrum CBD for anxiety – conclusion
One concern mentioned by many consumers considering CBD products for their anxiety disorders is the fear that THC levels of the products they purchase may be potent enough to cause them to have hallucinations or other effects commonly associated with smoking marijuana. This fear is highlighted for full spectrum CBD products, which sometimes contain a slightly higher amount of THC.
However, this should not be an issue with correctly processed CBD products that are tested in third-party labs to ensure that they contain no more than the legally allowed limit of 0.3 percent THC. Assuming that threshold is not crossed, there is increasing evidence that full spectrum CBD products can provide better relief for anxiety symptoms because of the entourage effect brought about by the larger number of beneficial cannabis compounds contained within them. As such, customers looking for the best results may want to consider full spectrum CBD from reputable brands.
Further reading:
The Savvy Student: 5 Reasons Why Full Spectrum CBD Is The Way To Go
The Center for Advancing Health: Broad Spectrum CBD Oil, Capsules, Edibles: Definition & Benefits
Harvard Health: Cannabidiol CBD What We Know and What We Don’t
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
